Arlo Guthrie’s tale, Alice’s Restaurant, may be the most famous contemporary Thanksgiving Day story of all.

It will be a day of food consumption for many, and a weekend of leftovers and stuffed bellies. But don’t fear, there are opportunities to dance off your lethargy over the weekend, and others where just listening to music will help calm a stuffed stomach. Let music be something we’re all thankful to have in our lives. Music lifts the spirit.

Jazz

Wednesday, November 23

Dave King Trio @ Crooner’s Dunsmore Room, Fridley. 7pm ($20, $55 dinner show) This is the second of a two night stand for drummer Dave King and this trio. King is best known for his work with The Bad Plus and Happy Apple,though he also seems to have a dozen or so other projects, many of which explore the outer edges and realms of jazz and rock. Tonight, though, he gathers the fine talents of bassist Billy Peterson and pianist Bill Carrothers to mine the richness of jazz standards and create some beautiful music. Here’s a longish video of a performance.

Dorado Schmitt & the Django Festival All-Stars @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($30, $40), 9pm ($20, $30) Guitarist Dorado Schmitt grew up in the same region where Django Rheinhardt lived. He was born of Roma parents and grew up surrounded by Gypsy Jazz, though, like other teenagers, he emulated Carlos Santana and Jimi Hendrix before turning to the music fo his heritage. Back in the mid-2000s, he appeared in town as part of the Minnesota Sur Seine Festival, and has become the star of New York’s annual Django Festival. He’ll be accompanied by his son, guitarist Amati Schmitt; as well as accordionist Ludovic Beier, and violinist Pierre Blanchard.

Thursday, November 24

Thanksgiving with Debbie Duncan @ Crooners Lounge & Supper Club, Fridley. Noon – 3pm (No Cover, but Dinner) If you don’t want to cook, and are looking for some music with your Thanksgiving Meal, then you’re in luck, as Ms Duncan sings jazz standards, the Great American Songbook, and some occasional R&B.

Thanksgiving with Robert Robertson @ The Dakota, Minnepaolis. 7pm ($30) Get righteous, and not in arguments with your crazy uncle, but by listening to the gospel sounds of the incredible Robert Robertson, as soulful a singer as you will ever find.

Third Annual Dave King Takeover @ The Icehouse, Minneapolis. 11pm ($12) Drummer Dave King is busy this week. After two nights at Crooners early in the week, he’s taking over late night at the Icehouse to feature two more bands of which he’s a member. Friday night it’s the Dave King Trucking Company: Erik Fratzke, guitar; Chris Morrissey, bass; Chris Speed and Brandon Wozniak on saxes; and King on drums. Then on Saturday night it’s Happy Apple, the trio named after a toy: Erik Fratzke, Fender bass; Michael Lewis, sax; and King on drums. This is the place to be for young jazz fans home for Thanksgiving, as well as older ones who can stay up late enough to dig these sounds.

Saturday, November 26

Saturday Night Jazz @ The Black Dog, Saint Paul. 7pm (Tip Jar) Riley Swain Jazz Ensemble at 7pm, followed by the Atlantis Quartet at 8:30pm. The Riley Swain Ensemble is presented as part of the JazzInk Youth Showcase, which features talented high school students playing jazz. The Atlantis Quartet is Zacc Harris, guitar; Brandon Wozniak, sax; Chris Bates, bass; and Pete Hennig, drums. They’ve been around about 10 years now, spreading the gospel of 21st Century jazz.

Sunday, November 27

Geoffrey Keezer and Gillian Margot @ Crooner’s Dunsmore Room, Fridley. 7pm ($20 – $35, $65 w/Dinner) Pianist Keezer is a native of Eau Claire, who spent his 20s working with Joshua Redman, Benny Golson, and Ray Brown. Now in his 40s, he’s performed and recorded in all sorts of musical combinations, and of late, has been doing solo gigs and recording. He’s performed with both Diana Krall and Diane Reeves, and now with singer Gillian Margot, who manages to avoid the usual cliches of jazz singers while delivering original interpretive delivery.

Monday, November 28

David Martin/Martin Doolin CD Release @ The Icehouse, Minneapolis. 9:30pm ($8) Guitarists Martin and Doolinb are releasing Dark Star, their third collaboration. It’s a fusion fueled CD, with guitar sounds that range from fuzzed-out to crystalline, and acoustic, punctuated with some funky drumming. Tonight they’re joined by Jim Chenoweth, bass; Shai Hayo, percussion; and Pete Hennig, drums. I’ll have David Martin, and perhaps Doolin, on my show Saturday morning the 26th (10:30am – Noon, KFAI: 90.3 and 106.7FM)

George Maurer Quartet feat Ann Michels @ The Dakota, MInneapolis. 7pm ($12) Pianist Maurer is a versatile performer, composer and collaborator, having worked with Eric Clapton, scored films, and creating compositions for his nine-piece band. He’s based in Saint Cloud, so doesn’t get to the Twin Cities very often, making this a special event, and doubly so, since he’ll have just a quartet, as well as vocalist Ann Michels. Here’s Maurer accompanying a different singer: Rachel Holder.

Monday, Tuesday, November 28, 29

Jennifer Grimm’s Christmas with Family & Friends @ Crooner’s Dunsmore Room, Fridley. 7pm – 8:30pm ($22, $47 Dinner Show) Ms Grimm is a talented singer who is equally at home on a theater stage or in a bar. Either way, she’s an engaging performer, and with her family and friends, provides a highly entertaining evening.

Tuesday, November 29

Bill Evans New Orleans Jazz Band @ Bennett’s Rail & Chop House, Saint Paul. 7pm (No Cover) If it’s the last Tuesday of the month, then it’s time for a shot of early New Orleans jazz, with a rotating cast of musicians led by Bill Evans.

Blues, Roots, Other…

Wednesday, November 23

Nikki & the RueMates on KFAI and @ The 331 Club, Minneapolis. 5pm (90.3 & 106.7FM), 7pm (331 Club – Tip Jar) It’s become an annual tradition for Harold Tremblay to feature Nikki & the RueMates on the night before Thanksgiving. Tune in during the 5 o’clock hour to hear them perform some blues, 60s style folk-rock, and originals, all featuring Nikki’s clarion voice and the deft guitar of Rich Rue.

The Swamp Pop Extravaganza @ The Eagles Club #34, Minneapolis. 7:30pm – 11:30pm. A cast of thousands, well maybe tens, brings you the finest in Swamp Pop entertainment. Rich Lewis, Dan Rowles, Lucinda Plaisance, Richard Kriehn, Bill and Ernie Batson, Jon Rodine, Dan Newton and the Rockin’ Pinecones, members of the New Riverside Ramblers, plus several other featured guests. All backed by the mellifluous noodlings of the Swamp Poppas Enhanced Big Band! All in a Benefit for Second Harvest Food Shelf.

Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 @ Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($35) The youngest son of Fela Kuti continues voicing the political and social concerns of his father, adding traditions from various African cultures and reflecting on the struggles of peoples throughout the continent. Expect a floor filled with writhing, dancing bodies as Kuti and the band create rhythms that connect with your innermost being.

Butanes @ Shaw’s, Minneapolis. 8:30pm (Tip Jar) Maybe you don’t like Turkey. Head over to Shaw’s for some BBQ and Blues as the Butanes take to the stage. If you’re stuffed with turkey, you can surely find a little space to dance as well.

Socaholix @ Bunkers, Minneapolis. 9:30pm ($7) Bunkers has a pretty good size dance floor for a bar, and it will undoubtedly be filled as the Socaholix play a lively mix of Soca (soul + Calypso) and other high-energy Caribbean rhythms.

Friday, November 25

Daisy Dillman Acoustic @ The 318 Cafe, Excelsior. 8pm – 10:30pm ($15) This is the “unplugged” version of the band started in the late 70s by four guys from Excelsior. You’ll undoubtedly hear some of their hits from two nationally charting albums, as well as new material, all with three part harmonies.

The Pines @ The Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis. 8pm ($18 Advance/$20 Door) The cover of the Pines latest full release, Above the Prairie, features a star filled sky over a couple of ramshackle shacks set among open spaces. Their music evokes that openness, with both moments of stillness and moments of beauty, much like the plains of their native Iowa. They’ll be releasing a new EP tonight, entitled Pasture II, the second installment in a series of EPs that explore the timeless tradition and passage of the American folk songs. Frankie Lee opens.

Feeling All Right: A Tribute to Joe Cocker @ The Parkway Theater, Minneapolis. 8pm ($20) Mick Sterling has gathered 13 musicians, including 4 drummer/percussionists for this tribute to the English white guy with the raspy voice of a Southern Soul singer. The late pianist/singer/composer Leon Russell led Cocker’s Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour, so you can expect some of his tunes as well.

Luke Warm & the Cool Hands CD Release @ The Hook & Ladder Theater and Lounge, Minneapolis. 8pm ($8) It’s an evening of progressive string music and general pickin’ and grinnin’ as Luke Warm & the Cool Hands celebrate the release of What Makes You Happy? The evening begins at 8pm with The Gentlemen’s Anti-Temperance League playing music of the Prohibition era, updated for the 21st Century, then at 9pm its Luke Warm and the guys, including Ryan Young of Trampled by Turtles, followed at 11pm by The Stringdingers

New Riverside Ramblers @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 9pm ($8) High energy Cajun dance music, transplanted from the bayous of Louisiana to the frozen plain of Minnesota, though performed within the warm confines of the Hamm Building’s basement. There will be waltzes, two-steps, and blues galore.

Saturday, Sunday, November 26, 27

Ronnie Spector @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($45, $65, $75) While the Ronettes may not have been the first girl group, or the most popular, they were the most iconic, thanks to beehive hairdos, eyeliner, and Ronnie Spector’s thrilling voice, at one child-like and wise. She was inspired by Frankie Lymon, and in turn, inspired Amy Winehouse. She’ll undoubtedly sing Sleigh Ride, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, and Frosty the Snowman, given that her versions are always among the most played songs at Christmas time. We’ll also hear Be My Baby, Baby I Love You, and perhaps a few songs from her tribute to British Bands, which came out last year. Here’s an older video of her.

Sunday, November 27

Gang of Mischief @ Neumann’s Bar, North Saint Paul. 4pm (Tip Jar) Make your way to North Saint Paul’s main street to catch the ever-changing line-up of the Gang of Mischief, acoustic players of the blues and related music. Though membership varies, there are a few members you can depend upon: Papa John Kolstad, guitar and vocals, Harold Tremblay, harmonica, and Doug Otto, guitar and vocals.

Molly Maher & Her Disbelievers @ Aster Cafe’s River Room, Minneapolis. ($12) Molly Maher is an excellent guitarist and songwriter who’s been called the Queen of Twin Cities Americana. Her songs ring true, as she uses country rock, with a bit of blues swagger, to support her soulful singing. She’s backed by The Disbelievers, and excellent band consisting of guitar ace Erik Koskinen; Paul Bergen on guitar; Steve Murray, bass; and Richard Medek, drums. This is in the River Room, where there is bar service only.

For a more comprehensive listing of blues (and some roots) events, see the MN Blues Society calendar. For a comprehensive listing of Cajun and Zydeco events, see the Krewe de Walleye calendar.

Lots of good music this week, from resident jazz artists doing special shows, to classical music being performed in rock clubs, to blues, African Soukous with a Minnesota twist, and a multimedia concert of music and dance from Central and South America. Don’t forget to vote, and remember: Music Lifts the Spirit.

Jazz

Wednesday, November 2

An Evening with Wayne Anthony @ Crooners Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm – 10pm (No Cover) Anthony is a Classic Crooner who nevertheless has performed a variety of styles in collaboration with many Twin Cities artists, including Patty Peterson, Mick Sterling, Gwen Mathews, Aimee & Boyd Lee, and Prudence Johnson. He’ll be singing from the Great American Songbook, with musical help from Adi Yeshaya, piano; Mark Weisberg, bass; and Bobby Vandell, drums.

Mercy Button @ Khyber Pass Cafe, Saint Paul. 9pm ($5) There are quite a few musicians in the area that stretch boundaries and play “outside.” Case in point is this group, featuring: Nathan Hanson, sax; Pat O’Keefe, Woodwinds; Bret Warthchow, electronics, composition, and sound design; Geoff West Senn, trumpet; Nick Zelinski, drums.

Friday, November 4

The Arkanauts @ Studio Z, Saint Paul. 8pm ($15) Li Anni Maravigliosi: the Musical! is a depiction of the travels of Marco Polo with the support of The Arkanauts: Bill Gamble, Adam Linz, Lizz Windnagel and Cierra Hill; who will present songs and instrumental pieces by Bill Gamble, as well as some relevant traveling and sailor music.

Dan Newton/Southside Aces @ Vieux Carré, Saint Paul 6:30pm (Newton, No Cover); 9pm Aces ($10) The Southside Aces seem to be on regular rotation at Vieux Carre, which makes since, given that they play New Orleans Brass Band music. Tonight they’re preceded by Dan “Daddy Squeeze” Newton on the stomach Steinway during dinner hour.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, November 4,5,6

What Judy Means to Jazz @ Bloomington Center for the Arts, Bloomington. 7:30pm (Friday, Saturday), 1pm (Sunday) $22) Maud Hixson and Rick Carlson present a show that explores Judy Garland’s performances of the great jazz standards–many written for her–and her relationship with the composers and musicians involved in her career.

Saturday, November 5

Boom Room Jazz @ Boom Island Brewing, Minneapolis. 7pm – 9pm (Tip Jar) For this monthly informal gig, Brad Bellows calls on his rolodex full of musician friends and has four or five come by and riff on various jazz standards. It’s a blowing night, where everybody gets to solo, and we get to see musical communication in action.

Jazz Brunch feat: James Buckley Trio @ The Turf Club, Saint Paul. 11am (No Cover) The folks booking Saint Paul’s Turf Club have done a good job of packing the place lately, and are trying new things. Case in point: the SPCO will play on Thursday, November 3 (see below), and the monthly jazz brunches, with bassist James Buckley bringing in a couple of his cohorts to entertain while customers chow down on egg benedict, french toast, and other brunch time treats.

Monday, November 7

Acme Jazz Company @ Crooners Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm – 10pm (No Cover) Once a month, this big band fills up the stage in the big room at Crooners and blasts out your favorites, bringing Arne Fogel up to sing a few songs each set.

Chris Olson Project @ The Black Dog, Saint Paul. 7:30 – 9:30pm (Tip Jar) Guitarist Chris Olson is well-respected around town and a player that young guns admire for his technique, imagination, and clarity of tone. Tonight he brings Peter Vircks, sax; and Reid Kennedy, drums along to explore originals and jazz standards. Here is Chris is a different setting.

Blues, Roots, Other…

Wednesday, November 2

Patty & the Buttons on KFAI and @ The 331 Club, Minneapolis. 5pm (90.3 & 106.7FM), 7pm (331 Club – Tip Jar) Ever wonder what a dance hall band of the 20s and 30s may have sounded like? Patty and the Buttons fill the bill with original music and a broad range of influences, including traditional New Orleans Jazz, Western Swing, Gypsy Melodies, Ragtime, and more. Guitarist/singer Javier Matos continues the fun at 9pm

Booker T. Jones @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($45, $55) 9pm ($32, $42) Jones was only a teenager when he began hanging out at Stax Records and recorded Green Onions with the MGs, essentially serving as the house band during the subsequent explosion of soul music in the 60s. He’s a member of the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, and The American Musicians Hall of Fame, and has received the Grammy’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Whether you’re a baby boomer who grew up with his music, or a millennial who appreciates soul music, you will be thrilled by seeing him.

Thursday, November 3

Belka String Quartet @ The Landmark Center, Courtroom 317, Saint Paul. Noon (Free) Beatrice Hsieh, violin; Charles Gleason, violin; Matthew Geise, viola; Daniel Blumhard, cello are all students at the Cleveland Institute of Music. This program, which is hosted by the Schubert Club, will feature Bartok’s String Quartet No. 3, and Ravel’s String Quartet. If you can’t make it to this performance, they’ll be at the Icehouse tomorrow (see below).

SPCO @ The Turf Club, Saint Paul. 7pm ($20 Advance) The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra likes to play in venues that are not concert halls, and they’ve chosen a doozy this time with the rock and Americana-centric Turf Club. It’s a seated show, and your admission will also get you a drink to enjoy while you listen to Mendelssohn’s String Octet.

Big Head Blues Club: Willie Dixon Tribute @ The Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($40 Advance, $45 Door) Big Head Todd and the Monsters, the Colorado band that had a platinum album in 1993 with Sister Sweetly, have long been fans of the blues. They even recorded a song with John Lee Hooker for their 1997 album Beautiful World. In 2011 they formed the Big Head Blues Club to record 100 Years of Robert Johnson, with help from BB King, Charlie Musselwhite, Hubert Sumlin, and other blues luminaries. For this show, a celebration of the music of Willie Dixon, they’re being helped out by Mud Morganfield, eldest son of Muddy Waters, Ronnie Baker Brooks, son of Lonnie Brooks, and Billy Branch, three time Grammy nominated harpist who played in Willie Dixon’s Chicago All-Star band.

Friday, November 4

Trailer Trash @ Wilebski’s, Saint Paul. 6pm – 10pm ($?) The Blues Saloon on Rice Street will reverberate with twangy guitars and honky-tonk music, which isn’t that far removed from the blues. Watch out for all the folks on the dance floor.

The Belka String Quartet @ The Icehouse, Minneapolis. 6pm (No Cover) Well, for two nights in a row we have chamber music in rock clubs. Tonight Madeline Island Chamber Music presents the young Belka String Quartet. See Thursday’s entry.

Rich Mattson & the Northstars @ The Hook and Ladder, Minneapolis. 9pm ($8 Advance, $12 Door) It’s a Freewheelin’ First Friday as Jackson Buck presents Rich Mattson, a veteran of the Americana/rock n’ roll bands The Glenrustles, Ol’ Yeller, and the Tisdales. In the year or two since forming the Northstars, Mattson and his group have garnered fans from throughout the area. They will be celebrating the release of Starmaps, and have invited classic roots rockers Matt Arthur and the Bratlanders to open.

Jimmi & the Band of Souls @ The Black Dog, Saint Paul. 8pm – 11:45pm (Tip Jar) This four-piece blues band uses a variety of instruments – guitars, slide, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, bass, and drums – to create blues, roots and R&B. They had their first gig at the Black Dog about 5 or 6 years ago, and they’ve been on an upward path ever since, recording four well-received CDs in the process, and making it to the semi-finals at the 2015 International Blues Challenge. Guitarist Jay LeClair is moving to Boston, so this will be the last gig of this configuration of the group.

Saturday, November 5

Jefferson: An American in Paris @ MacPhail Center for Music, Minneapolis. 8pm ($25, $15 Seniors and youth 6 – 18) This unique concert explores the musical tastes of our third President, Thomas Jefferson, and will feature actor Tyson Forbes as Jefferson, talking about his favorite composers and his impressions of the music he heard while in Paris. You’ll hear Arcangelo Corelli’s Lo Follia, perform on violin and harpsichord; Bach’s Sonata #2, Op. 5 on harpsichord; selected arias of Piccini and Gretry; and Haydn’s Symphony #85.

Wilkinson James CD Release, w/Jim Walsh @ The Aster Cafe, Minneapolis. 9pm ($7) Singer-songwriters Liz Wilkinson and Al Scheiber blend honky-tonkish vocals with classic sounding original songs to create what might be described as alt-country, alt-folk, though the addition of saxophone on some tracks adds a different, inviting vibe. They are celebrating the release of their second album Abandon, on House of Mercy Records. Author, columnist and former City Pages writer Jim Walsh, of The Mad Ripple Hootenanny will open, giving listeners a preview of his upcoming new CD.

The Good, The Bad, & The Funky @ Bunker’s, Minneapolis. 9:30pm ($8) The dance floor at Bunkers will be filled as this ten-piece horn band rings in the funk n’ soul that is sure to get your hips moving.

Festival de Las Calaveras @ The Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis. 7pm ($12 Advance, $15 Door, children 3-12, $8, under 3 – free) Okay, I’m not conversant enough with Latin Culture to know everything going on at the Cedar tonight, but it sure sounds like eye-opening multi-media fun. There will be a concert featuring Maria Isa and music from her new project Valley of the Dolls; as well as tenor Alejandro Magallon and bass-baritone Rodolfo Nieto singing melodies of the Mexican Revolution (both are classically trained singers and Minnesota Opera performers); Bomba Umoya will perform traditional Puerto Rican rhythms; the Ecuadorian-Mexican ballad rockers Vhaltta will play; and the psychedelic cumbia band Guayaba, led by Chavez, will end the evening with a dance party. Also on the schedule: the dance group Mexica Yoloti, the spoken word collective Palabristas Latin@ Wordslingers, soundscape artist DJ Dan Cuco, and multimedia animation and visual art by local Latinx artists. And if you’re still fired up, there’s an afterparty @ The Nomad

Saturday, Sunday, November 5,6

Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm, 9pm ($40 – $65 Saturday, $35 – $65 Sunday) In 1991 Fischer had a Grammy Winning R&B hit with How Can I Ease the Pain. Both before and after that she served as a background singer for folks like Tina Turner, Chaka Khan, Nine-Inch Nails, and for almost two decades, the Rolling Stones, creating the spine-tingling backup vocals during Gimme Shelter. It took 2013’s Oscar winning music documentary Twenty Feet from Stardom, to bring her front and center stage, where her incredibly flexible voice and musical imagination can soar in a blend of soul, jazz, gospel, and rock. Reviewers have used words like mesmerizing, transcendental, and wondrous to describe her show. They’re not only correct, they may be understating the case.

Sunday,November 6

Siama’s Afrobilly @ The Dubliner Pub, Saint Paul. 5pm – 7:30pmpm (Tip Jar) Siama Matuzungidi is a Congolese guitarist and singer who was instrumental in the popularization of soukous music, a lilting and expressive dance music. Now he lives in the Twin Cities and has recently released a well-received album entitled “Rives: From the Congo to the Mississippi.” He’ll be joined by percussionists Dallas Johnson and Mikkel Beckmen.

Gilded Palace Sinners @ The Turf Club, Saint Paul. 7pm ($10 Advance) A 70th birth anniversary celebration of the music of Graham Parsons, including selections from the International Submarine Band, the Byrds, circa Sweetheart of the Rodeo; The Flying Burrito Brothers, and duets with Emmylou Harris. The all-star band includes members of the Platte Valley Boys, The Urban Hillbilly Quartet, Wilkinson James, Switched at Birth, and Miss Becky.

Monday, Tuesday, November 7,8

Suzanne Vega with Teddy Thompson @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($45, $50) Neo-folkie Vega has been credited with starting the folk revival of the 80s after growing up in the Upper West Side of New York. After being turned down twice by A&M records, she was signed after submitting a third demo and her debut album went platinum in the UK. Her next album, Solitude Standing, was both a critical and commercial success, yielding two iconic songs, Tom’s Diner and Luka. Teddy Thompson is a singer/songwriter from England who has received acclaim from the New York Times. He’s the son of Linda and Richard Thompson and counts early rockers, such as Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, and the Everly Brothers among his influences. Here’s what Vega sounds like these days.

For a more comprehensive listing of blues (and some roots) events, see the MN Blues Society calendar. For a comprehensive listing of Cajun and Zydeco events, see the Krewe de Walleye calendar

Well, we should be getting used to the cold by now, and if we aren’t going out quite as much, we’re still going out. This week we have three world music concerts, a couple of country rock shows, a CD release party, and as usual, some great jazz. Have a good week. Music lifts the spirit.

Jazz

Wednesday, January 13

Chris Bates Trio @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 8:30pm – 10:30pm ($10) Bates is one of the busier bass players around town, and given how many talented bassists we have, that’s saying something. Tonight he’s joined by a slightly younger generation of talented musicians: Joe Strachan on piano and Matt Buckner on drums. Here’s Chris in a solo performance.

Thursday, January 14

Minnesota Jazz Orchestra @ Wabasha Street Caves, Saint Paul. 7pm ($8) Swing Dancers congregate at the Caves every Thursday night to dance to big bands such as the Minnesota Jazz Orchestra, a 16 piece band with vocalists Greg Marquadrt and Debbie O’Keefe. Doors open at 6pm, and if you’ve never learned how to swing dance, lessons start at 6:15. Here’s the orchestra with a classic.

Suzanne Paris @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($10) Paris is a singer who has lived in New York and LA, and Japan, led a jazz trio at three different Japanese Jazz Festivals, opened for Tony Bennett, and sung at Birdland, The Blue Note and the Iridium. Since 2000, Paris has been living in the Twin Cities and raising a family, and consequently out of the music business. Having impressed as part of a trio of singers at Jazz Central in October, they are bringing her back to sing from the Great American Songbook, with Chris Lomheim, piano; and Josh Granowski, bass. Sounds like a wise choice.

Friday, January 15

Donald Washington Quartet @ The Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, Saint Paul. 8pm (Tip Jar) The ever-creative Washington is back at the Dog for his monthly gig. This time he’ll be joined by Brad Bellows on valve trombone, as well as Dick Studer on bass; and Davu Seru on drums & percussion. They can sometimes get out there, but with a strong sense of melody and harmony, always bring it back. Here are Donald and Brad with a different rhythm section.

Peter Schimke @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 8pm – 10pm ($10) This appears to be a solo gig for pianist Schimke an A-list musician who has performed or recorded with folks ranging from Charlie Musselwhite, to Art Farmer, Victor Wooten, Rita Coolidge, and Tom Harrell.

Saturday, January 16

Saturday Night Jazz @ The Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, Saint Paul. 7pm (Tip Jar) Opening set at 7pm by the Midwest Sax Quartet: Jared Jarvis, soprano sax; Evan Benidt, alto sax; Joe Mayo, tenor sax; and Gus Sandberg, baritone sax. Followed at 8:30pm by the Zacc Harris Group: Harris, guitar; Bryan Nichols, piano; Chris Bates, bass; JT Bates, drums. Zacc Harris will be heading to the UK in a couple of weeks, to perform with Michael Janisch at the famed Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London for three nights, as well as at other clubs.

Sunday, January 17

John Penny CD Release Party @ The Icehouse, Minneapolis. 5pm ($7) Guitarist Penny has played with Jack McDuff, Bobby Lyle, Bernard Purdie, and Erik Gravatt, in addition to composing for TV commercials, and scores for the movie Patti Rocks, and well as movies for the MN Twins, The United Way, and others. He has a new CD, Urban Tumble. For the first half of the show, he’ll be joined by bassist Charlie Riddle and drummer Davu Seru playing new compositions by Penny. During the second half keyboardist Daniel Williams will join in for songs from the CD, and Pippi Ardennia will sing some of Penny’s vocal songs. Other guests from the CD will sit in as well.

Monday, Tuesday, January 18, 19

Davell Crawford: Tribute to Allen Toussaint @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($25 – $35), 9pm ($20-$30) This is a highly anticipated show for fans of New Orleans R&B. The “Crown Prince of New Orleans” is a highly praised proponent of New Orleans’ piano tradition. Crawford’s grandfather was “Sugarboy’’ Crawford, an early R&B artist, and Allen Toussaint was a family friend. At the age of eleven, Crawford started hanging out at Toussaint’s studio where he felt it was a safe place to explore his own love for playing piano. Now, he’s carrying on the tradition and is performing the music of Toussaint, who recently left town, as they say.

Tuesday, January 19

Mary Louise Knutson Trio @ The Dunsmore Room, Crooners, Fridley. 7pm ($15 Minimum) Take advantage of the quiet ambience of the listening room at Crooners to fully appreciate Ms Knutson’s effervescent piano playing. None other than Doc Severinson recognizes her talent, as she regularly tours with his big band. Tonight, she’s joined by a couple of highly respected veterans: Gordy Johnson on bass; and Phil Hey on drums.

Beasley’s Big Band @ Edinborough Indoor Amphitheater, 7700 York Avenue Sou, Edina. (?) Folks in South Minneapolis and the southern ‘burbs can visit the lovely amphitheater to hear the big band sounds of the 19 piece BBB. Here they are at the Caves.

Blues, Roots, Other…

Wednesday, January 13

Joyann Parker & Sweet Tea on KFAI and @ The 331 Club, Minneapolis. 5pm (90.3 & 106.7FM), 7pm (331 Club – Tip Jar) This group is a rising star in the Twin Cities Blues Scene. Joyann Parker is a quintuple threat as a singer, pianist, drum, guitarist, and songwriter. She and the guys in Sweet Tea are heading to Memphis to represent Minnesota in the International Blues Challenge. Whether they win down there or not, they’ve already won the hearts of many blues fans in town.

Wednesday, Thursday, January 13, 14

Pure Prairie League @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($40, $45) PPL was one of the groups that helped define country rock back in the 70s. Formed in 1969, they had five top 40 LPs in the 70s and a sixth in the 80s, keeping their sound throughout a number of configurations. Amie was their first hit, recorded in ’73 and hitting the charts in ‘75. They also had a top ten hit in 1980 with Let me Love You Tonight, which also hit number one on the Adult Contemporary charts. Some luminaries who helped out with recording or performing include guitarist Mick Ronson, saxophonist Dave Sanborn, and Vince Gill, who would later go on to fame as a solo artist. After breaking up in the 80s, they reformed at the end of the 90s, and though leader Mike Reilly (bass & vocals) is the only long-time member (he joined in ’73), they still have the sweet harmonies that defined their sound.

Thursday, January 14

On the Way to Uskudar and The Other Country Quartet @ JJ Hill Library, Saint Paul. 7:30pm ($10) This is part of the World Live! a series sponsored by the Library and KFAI, which knows a thing or two about musics of the world. On the Way to Uskuda presents Turkish and Balkan music using traditional and modern instruments. The Other Country Quartet, on the other hand, doesn’t present country music from the US, but music from other countries.

Friday, January 15

Armadillo Jump @ Wilebski’s, Saint Paul. 6pm – 10pm ($5) This rockin’ blues quintet as recently voted Best Dance Band of 2015 by U Wanna Dance, a website and organization aimed at dancers – see the link below. The award is highly appropriate, since the band pretty much instantly fills up dance floors, and, you don’t have to know any special steps, though its always fun to watch dancers that know those special steps.

Faculty Recital @ MacPhail Center for Music, Minneapolis. 7:30pm (Free) Here’s a collection of mostly classical pieces done by some of the faculty at MacPhail Center for Music. You’ll hear some Spanish Folk Songs, sung by Mikyoung Park, with Luke Swanger on piano; two pieces composed by Christopher Caliendo, performed by Julie Johnson, flute; and Jeff Lambert, guitar; As well as a couple of Rachmaninoff vocals, a guitar piece by Hector Villa-Lobos; and a piece for Marimba, Vibes, piano, drum, and bass. For more information, go to: http://www.macphail.org

Willie Walker and We “R” @ Crooners Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7:30pm – 10:30pm (No Cover) It’s been a good year for Willie Walker who has paid his dues in the soul circuit since the 60s. Walker toured South America a couple of times, and he and the band recently tour in Switzerland. To top things off, Walker’s latest CD, “If Nothing Ever Changes,” is up for three awards in the 2016 Blues Awards. The Rick Estrin-produced album jus up for Album of the Year, Soul Blues Album, and Soul Blues Male Artist. See what the fuss is about by checking out the lounge at Crooners.

Sons of Almighty @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 8pm ($15) Here’s an all-star lineup of funkateers from around town, each of whom has played/recorded with major acts from in town and around the nation. Members are: Tommy Barbarella, keys; Michael Bland, drums; Julius Collins, vocals, Cory Wong, guitar; Brian Gallagher, sax; and Sonny Thompson, bass.

Saturday, January 16

Malamanya & Alma Andina @ The Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis. 8pm ($15) There will be lots of Latin dancing at the Cedar tonight, as two home-town favorites take the stage Alma Andina opens, bringing their meld of Andean music (think pan pipes) and modern instruments to the fore. Then Malamanya will shake things up further with their Cuban-inspired dance grooves. In between, DJS from Radio Pocho will keep the grooves going.

Twin Cities Cabaret Salon: Our Way @ The Town House Bar, Saint Paul. 8pm ($10 Donation) Each month the Twin Cities Cabaret Artists Nework presents a Salon in the back lounge at the Town House. Six different artists perform for 15 minutes each. Tonight they’re celebrating the music of Frank Sinatra, with help from pianist Lori Dokken and Emcee Les Block. Tonight’s performers are Joey Babay, David Young, Mary Keepers, Vicky Mountain, Rhonda Laurie, and Connie Dussl.

Sunday, January 17

Living Colour @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($50 – $60) Since their debut album Vivid, in 1989, Living Colour has been powered by Avant-garde jazz guitarist Vernon Reid and the soulful vocals of Corey Glover. They were among the first bands to transcend genres, mixing rock, jazz, funk, punk and heavy metal into swirling mix of high energy music. Their 1995 dissolution was short-lived, as the band was touring again by 2001. Their latest CD is 2015’s Shade. Here’s a number with some pan-tropical influences.

Mehmet Polat Trio & Srazhalys @ Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($20 advance/$25 Door) It’s another evening of intriguing world music. The Mehmet Polat Trio plays hypnotic music with roots in Ottoman, ancient Turkey, Balkan, and West African music traditions. Members are Mehmet Polat, oud; Sinan Arat, Ney; and Bao Sissoko, kora. The trio plays Polat’s compositions, which allow for much improvisation. Opening is Srazhalys, a quartet that uses Western rhythms to drive melodies of Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Tuesday, January 19

The Federales w/Doug Otto & the Getaways @ Amsterdam Bar & Hall, Saint Paul. (Free) Here’s a double bill of acoustic Americana. The Federales describe themselves as a country band for a modern world. With the exception of an electric guitar, this six-piece sings of blues, bourbon, Grain Belt, and guitars, occasionally slipping into a country-rock mood. Doug Otto and the Getaways bring their mournful sounds to the opening set.

For a more comprehensive listing of blues (and some roots) events, see the MN Blues Society calendar. For a comprehensive listing of Cajun and Zydeco events, see the Krewe de Walleye calendar. For a listing of dance opportunities, check out the U Wanna Dance Calendar.

This week brings a few multi-day events to our fair cities. The Sound Unseen Festival is dedicated to screening films about music and musicians, while Zeitgeists’ New Music Cabaret gathers original musicians from a variety of genres. Add in some visiting musicians of note, both young and old, and our usual mix of talented resident musicians, and we’ve got another week with outstanding music. Remember, Music Lifts the Spirit.

Jazz

Wednesday, November 11

CB Trio @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 8:30pm ($10 Suggested Donation) Bassist about town Chris Bates can be found in a variety of groups, always adding a solid foundation, whether it be the modern jazz of the Atlantis Quartet, or the sonic explorations of the Good Vibes trio. Tonight he explores the piano trio format with the help of Javi Santiago on piano and Cory Healey on drums.

Thursday, November12

Cameron Kinghorn Quartet @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis 7:30pm ($10 Suggested Donation) Kinghorn is a trumpeter and vocalist who has been featured in a number of bands about town, including the Adam Meckler Orchestra, Nooky Jones, and others. Tonight you can hear him sing withTed Godbout, piano; Andrew Foreman, bass; and Andres Crovetti, drums. Here he is on a slow jam with Nooky Jones.

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, November 12, 13, 14

Zeitgeist’s 7th Annual New Music Cabaret @ Studio Z, Saint Paul. 6:30 Thurs, 7:30 Fri and Sat ($15/night or $35 for a 3 day pass) The new music ensemble once again brings a variety of artists in a variety of genres to their cozy Lowertown studio. Jazz fans will be especially interested in the music of Steve Kenny’s Wise Quartet of Kenny, Flumpet; Pete Whitman, sax; Jay Young, bass, and Phil Hey, drums; appearing Thursday at 9:30. The Dave Hagedorn Quartet plays Friday at 9:30, with Hagedorn on vibes and Chris Bates, bass; Phil Hey, drums; and Dave Milne, saxes. Trumpeter Solomon Parham takes the stage on Saturday at 7:30, where he’ll be joined by Peter Schimke, piano; Ernest Bisong, violin; Eric Solberg, bass; and Rodney Rocques, drums. There are other interesting performances as well, by the Marimba Bullies, Gao Hong on the Highway, Alyssa Anderson & Jeffrey Kyle Hutchins, and of course, Zeitgeist will perform each night. Here’s Solomon Parham, soloing on a number with Eric Gravatt.

Eric Kamau Gravatt & Source Code @ Walker West Music Academy, 760 Selby Avenue, Saint Paul. 7:30pm ($15) Gravatt s a powerhouse drummer with a well-deserved national reputation, especially know for his work with McCoy Tyner and with Weather Report, though he’s also played with Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, and Blue Mitchell, among others. He’ll be joined by stellar players: Chris Thomson, sax; Ron Evaniuk, bass; Dean Magraw, guitar; and Solomon Parham, trumpet.

Charlie Christensen Five @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 8pm ($10 Suggested Donation) Though Christenson is a vocalist and keyboard player, his music is much more suited to the experimentation of Friday Nights at JC, rather than vocalist Thursdays. The Jazz Central site says tonight’s performance will blow your mind. Chjristenson studied at Lawrence University and received a Masters in Music Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. He currently heads up the Vocal department at MacNally Smith. Tonight he’s joined by another Lawrence alum, Adam Meckler, on trumpet, as well as Matt Edlund, drums; Katie Marshall guitar, vocals; and Patrick Horigan, guitar.

Atlantis Quartet @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 9pm ($10) This quartet of Zacc Harris, guitar; Brandon Wozniak, sax; Chris Bates, bass; and Peter Hennig, drums has become the prime example of modern jazz in the Twin Cities. Though the’ve received national praise for their 21st Century jazz, they are well aware of jazz classics, having performed their both A Love Supreme and Herbie Hancock’s Head Hunters in their entirety. Tonight they return to a room they played many times when it was the AQ. They even recorded their 2011 CD Lines in the Sand there. Here’s a snippet of them from a couple of years ago.

Saturday, November 14

Saturday Night Jazz @ The Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, Saint Paul. 7pm (Tip Jar) It seems to be MacNally Smith night at the Dog. The opening act tonight is Tempestad, a duo of Maria Vejdani and guitarist Tomas Simpson, who began playing together while attending MacNally Smith. Vejdani is classically trained, and currently has a Teaching Assistantship at the school, where she is studying for her Masters, and has branched out into jazz, R&B, work music and more. The Gerard Ahlgren Quintet is up at 8:30, led by trumpeter Ahlgren (also on the staff at MacNally) and featuring Lucia Armiento, tenor; Kelly Blau, guitar; Ry Dill bass; and Lars Johnson, drums. Here is Tempested.

Nachito Herrera @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 8pm ($15) The Cuban powerhouse pianist returns to his regular haunt to heat up the place with his playing. He’ll be playing Cuban classics, but has been known to throw in some Earth Wind & Fire as well as some classical music to the mix.

Miss Myra & the Moonshiners @ Dakota Late Night, Minneapolis. 11:30pm ($5) Vintage jazz and barrelhouse blues, delivered with a bit of risqué sass. Miss Myra is a guitarist who has studied with both Papa John Kolstad and Dean Harrington. The Moonshiners include Zane Fitzgerald Palmer on lead guitar (Papa John Kolstad, & Cadillac Kolstad); as well as Sam Skavnak, clarinet; Angie Frisk, drums; and Ike Heath, tuba.

Monday, November 16

Regina Carter @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($40), 9pm ($30) Violinist Carter is a wonder. She was the first jazz musician and first African American to be invited to play Paganinin’s violin, made in 1743 and bequeathed to the city of Genoa, Italy. She was also awarded a MacArthur Fellows Program grant, also known as a “genius grant” in 2006, which has allowed her to research and record the roots of her music, from her mom’s favorite jazz tunes to African music, to the folk music of the South, featured in her latest release, Southern Comfort. On Saturday, the 14th, I’ll be playing an interview with her on Rhythm and Grooves. Tune in at 10:30am to hear the show and the interview, along with a couple of songs from Southern Comfort. Here she is doing a classic folk/blues.

Tuesday, November 17

Adam Meckler Orchestra @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 8pm ($10) Since they don’t play that often, I almost always list this big band (17 pieces). Trumpeter/leader Meckler is an excellent composer and arranger, and he’s gathered quite a few young lions, as well as some veteran players, for the group. Here’s an example.

Tommy O’Donnell Trio @ Crooners Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm (No cover) The veteran pianist teams up with the dynamic duo of Gordy Johnson, bass, and Phil Hey, drums. Another outstanding piano trio. Though the image is dark, you can get a good idea of O’Donnell’s playing in this video with Gordy Johnson.

Blues, Roots, Other…

Eilen Jewell @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($23) Call it alt-country, Americana, rockabilly, or folk. It’s rhythmic, tight, and enchanting, as Jewell’s slightly smoky vocals propel a road-tested band. She’s become a first rate songwriter, and has delighted in past performances at the Dakota.

Wednesday – Sunday, November 11 – 15

Sound Unseen Festival @ Various Venues. There is too much in this multi-day event to go into much detail. Suffice it to say the opening night film is Mavis!, about Mavis Staples, and there are films about The Beatles’ arrival in America, Laurie Anderson, Mongoliasn rock, the Carter/Cash families, Deejay AM, an homage to Purple Rain and The Harder They Come set among the Sub-Saharan Tuaregs, and a screening of Gimme Shelter, among others. More information, including venues, times, and prices, can be found at: http://www.soundunseen.com Here’s a clip from Mavis!

Thursday, November 12

David Bromberg @ The Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis. 7pm ($30 – $40) Jerry Jeff Walker calls him “The reason man created stringed instruments.” With his wry wit and expert technique, Bromberg has been entertaining folk with a combination of blues, bluegrass, gospel, folk, drinking songs, and fiddle tunes. His recording sidemen have included George Harrison, members of the Grateful Dead, and more recently, Levon Helm, Vince Gill, Dr. John and a host of others. Past shows have sold out, so be forewarned. Check out his version of a Dylan classic.

Radio Joe & the Jazzbo’s @ Crooners Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm (No cover) Get out your dancing shoes, get spiffed up, and take your honey out for an evening of dancing to some easy swing, foxtrots, and the occasional jump tune. During the last year or so, guitarist Joe Demko (Radio Joe) and the Jazzbos have been entertaining dancers at the Eagles Club on a regular basis. They’ve also recorded many of their shows and have assembled a fine CD entitled Live!. It’s chock full of romance, with songs like I’m in the Mood for Love, Let’s Get Lost, and Unforgettable. It also features some Demko originals which comfortably fit right alongside those standards. The Jazzbos include: Bruce Wintervold, vibes; Keith Boyles, bass; and Tony Guscetti, drums. Joe appeared on Rhythm and Grooves this past Saturday, which you can listen to on the here.

Saturday, November 14

Eric Burdon @ The Medina Entertainment Center, Hamel. 7:30pm ($37 – $58) Can it really be 50 years since the sound of Eric Burdon and the Animals exploded from the radio as part of the British Invasion? Their songs such as It’s My Life, and Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood expressed teenage angst with fury. Burdon went to sing with the very early version of War, getting a hit with Spill the Wine. He went solo in 1971 and continues to record and tour. Recent videos reveal that though his hair math be gray, he still has a strong voice, as heard in this video from a few years back.

The Eddies @ The Dubliner, Saint Paul. 7:30pm – 10:30pm (No Cover) Three hours of enchanting songs about death, the sea, drinking and work, performed by the “almost acapella” quintet in a venue that could only be more fitting if it were in Dublin.

Joyann and colleagues

Sweet Tea @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 9pm ($8) Blues goes down well at the Vieux, and The Sweet Tea Band delivers in spades, thanks to the powerful vocals of Joyann Parker, who can easily sell songs associate with Etta James, Patsy Cline or Janis Joplin. The band has been growing its fan base by steadily gigging around town and the Midwest, and in January will be representing Minnesota at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

Blues for Kids @ The Minnesota Music Cafe, Saint Paul. 1pm – 5pm ($10 Suggested Donation) This is a benefit for Blues Studio for School, a program developed by Joey Filipovich of the MN Blues Society. The program is a six-week workshop that will start with pilot programs at East Ridge High School and Woodbury High. There will be performances by The Blue Cities, Squishy Mud, Armadillo Jump, and Sweet Tea.

Paula Cole @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($35 – $42) Singer/songwriter Cole toured with Peter Gabriel in ’94, performing the primary female vocals and being featured in duets. She has released seven albums in the years since, winning a Grammy as Best New Artist in 1998. She has a strong, solid voice, a deft hand at writing, and has had a number of songs on the charts.

Monday, November 16

Salsa del Soul @ Union Depot, Saint Paul. 6:15pm – 9pm (Free) The evening begins with a 45 minute dance lesson for those who aren’t familiar with Latin dances, and then the 9-piece Salsa del Soul will play music for dancing in the spacious waiting room of the Depot. Band members include both Dave Graf and Scott Agster on trombone, as well as David Martin on bass, and Shai Hayo on timbales, so you know things will be cooking.

For a more comprehensive listing of blues (and some roots) events, see the MN Blues Society calendar. For a comprehensive listing of Cajun and Zydeco events, see the Krewe de Walleye calendar.

It’s another good week for jazz in the Twin Cities, and though we only have one visiting artist (Joey DeFrancesco), we do have a couple of Chicago artists who perform hear regularly. We also have many outstanding players who would welcome your presence. On the blues and roots side of things, we have a couple of musicians who defined that 80s sound, some long time Twin Cities bluesmen, and some classical music as performed by a small choir. Music Lifts the Spirit.

Jazz

Wednesday, November 4

Anthony Cox: Continuum Series @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 8:30pm ($10 Suggested Donation) The first Wednesday of each month, crack bassist Anthony Cox hosts a group of musicians, and sometimes artists from other disciplines. They play, interact, and sometimes Cox opens it up for the audience to ask questions and take part.

Thursday, November 5

Jon Pemberton @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 6pm (No cover) The pianist/trumpeter will be accompanied by bassist Matt Peterson, for dinner music that’s much more than dinner music. Here’s Jon in a trio format.

Zacc andCory, getting real. Photo by Andrea Canter

Cory Healey’s Beautiful Sunshine Band @ Groundswell, 1340 Thomas Avenue, Saint Paul. 7pm ($7) It’s a three act evening as drummer Cory Healey brings his band to this corner coffeehouse. Besides Healey on drums, the band includes Erik Fratzke, bass; Zacc Harris guitar; Brandon Wozniak, sax. Also playing this evening: Graham O’Brien (unknown to me) and a group called And…And…End, featuring Noah Ophoven-Baldwin on trumpet; and Cole Pulice, sax.

Bruce Henry @ Crooner’s Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm (No Cover) Henry, who now lives in Chicago, is back for a visit. He isn’t a crooner, though he could be if he wanted. Instead, he sings jazz and R&B songs like Freddie Hubbard’s Red Clay and Coltane’s Equinox, as well as Motown numbers that will make you dance.

Graydon Peterson Quartet CD Release @ The Nicollet Cafe, Minneapolis. (Tip Jar) The Graydon Peterson Quartet is releasing a fine little CD entitled, oddly enough, Duets. It features nine tracks of original compositions played as duets between various member of the quartet: Peterson, bass; Adam Meckler, trumpet; Joe Strachan, keys; and Adrian Suarez, drums. Here’s one of the numbers.

Saturday, November 7

Butch Thompson Trio @ Jazz at St. Barney’s, 15600 Old Rockford Road, Plymouth. 7pm – 8pm ($10) Pianist Butch Thompson, together with Tony Balluf, clarinet; and Steve Pikal, bass, play a combination of old time jazz and occasional blues. You couldn’t find a better trio in town for this music. Here’s Butch with a different trio.

Steve Cole @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm, 9pm ($20) The Chicago native has released 15 albums since his debut in 1998. With a saxophone sound that can be greasy or “smooth” Cole has recorded with Jr. Wells, Buddy Guy, Larry Carlton, Freddy Cole, and Boz Scaggs, among others. Special guest will be our very own Patty Peterson.

Babatunde Lea Quartet @ The Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, Saint Paul. 8:30pm (tip Jar) Master drummer and conguero Lea has played with Pharoah Sanders and Stan Getz, among others, and had the first release of Motema Records. Tonight he leads Zacc Harris, guitar; Geoff Brennan, bass; and Phil Aaron, piano, in an evening of exciting music. Opening tonight at 7pm is the clever Exquisite Corps, with Dave Roos, guitar; Eron Woods, Drums; and Peter Susag, bass. All of their songs have a body part in the title.

Sunday, November 8

Paul Renz Quartet @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($5) He might be better known on the East Coast than here in town, but Renz s a guitarist that you should hear. His writing and playing are both melodic and inventive.

Monday, November 9

Joey DeFrancesco @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($32), 9pm ($22) Since the death of DeFrancesco’s mentor, Jimmy Smith, DeFrancesco has become the leading light of B3 Organ music. I’ve seen him a half dozen times at least, and he’s always satisfying.

Tuesday, November 10

Mary Louise Knutson Trio @ Crooner’s Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm (No Cover) Though I wrote about Mary Louise playing solo at the Vieux Carre last week, this week she’s joined by Gordy Johnson, bass, and Phil Hey, drums. Pardon the bad grammar, but to put it simply, it don’t get no better!

Phil Aaron Trio @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 8pm ($5) Aaron, piano; Gary Raynor, bass; Jay Epstein, drums. Another stellar trio, this time playing for those who want to hang in the city. Aaron can swing like mad, and makes difficult charts look like child’s play.

Blues, Roots, Other…

Wednesday, November 4

John Beach Trio on KFAI and @ The 331 Club, Minneapolis. 5pm (90.3 & 106.7FM), 7pm (331 club – Tip Jar) At this point, John Beach is often described as Legendary John Beach. He’s been a fixture on the Twin Cities music scene of years, playing piano for Willie Murphy, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Bo Diddley, and more… Tune in to find out who is playing with him.

Joe Jackson @ the Fitzgerald Theater, Saint Paul. 7:30pm ($40 – $67.50) Musical wanderer Jackson has been all over the place, deftly picking up genres and disposing of them as soon as he’s conquered them. He first made a splash with the new-wavy Is She Really Going Out with Him in 1979 and subsequently explored reggae, salsa, jump blues, R&B and Jazz, film scores, and contemporary classical music,as well as a 2012 horn-free release celebrating Duke Ellington, but nevertheless including a duet with Iggy Pop. He’ll open the show with a short solo piano set before bringing on a full band. DJ Jake Rudh will spin pre-show music. Here’s a song from Joe’s recently released album.

Friday, November 6

Captain Gravitone & the String Theory Orchestra @ The Black Dog Coffee & Wine Bar, Saint Paul. 8pm (Tip Jar) Vocalist/banjo picker Eli Hoehn leads this Americana sextet, through a repertoire that emphasizes acoustic instruments with a bit of rock undercurrents. Their new CD, A Real Fine Day (when the circus comes to town) features four brass and a violin as well, but I don’t know if they’ll be in the show.

Madeline Peyroux @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($40 – $60), 9pm ($30 – $50) With a low-key style and a voice that evokes Billie Holiday, Peyroux has tackled a wide variety of material. She recently released a Best Of compilation on Rounder Records which includes songs from her 20[-year career including some Atlantic and Decca/Emarcy releases.

Hymnos Vocal Ensemble: Lowertown Classics @ Lowertown Lofts, 255 Kellogg Blvd East, Saint Paul. 8pm ($10 Suggested Donation) Here’s an under-the-radar gig for those who appreciate classical music. In fact, you have to enter the artists’ building via its back alley, and make your way to the third floor atrium. Hymnos is a choir of 8-12 highly select mixed voices that has been performing a wide range of music, from Renaissance to contemporary, since being founded in 2011 by Eric Sorum. They will be joined by Jennifer Parker, voice, Eva Bnenke, classical guitar; and Chris Olson, guitar. There will be wine, coffee, pastries and candy.

Papa John Kolstad and the Hot Club of East Lake Street @ Merlins, Minneapolis. 8:30pm – 12:30am. Papa John returns to Merlins on a Saturday night. John’s guitar playing, wry humor, and sly political asides, together with Sam Fiske, trumpet; Deano Mikkelson, guitar; and Bill Grenke, bass, makes for an entertaining evening. Bring your ID if you want adult beverages, and get there a bit early to get a good seat.

Saturday, November 7

Scottie Miller @ Crooner’s Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm (No Cover) Miller has a new album, Reciprocation, and as with his last one, he’s rockin’ out a bit, though his New Orleans/Barrelhouse piano, and R&B beats still shine through.

Hurricane Harold’s All-Stars @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 9pm ($8) Though it’s slightly tonier than his usual haunts, Hurricane Harold, and his All-Star band of Twin Cities Bluesers will fit in just fine at the basement club. Plus, it won’t be hard to move tables when the dancing bug hits. Check out the Scottie Miller video above for one version of the All-Stars.

Monday, November 9

A very different Joe Fingers.

Joe Fingers @ Dunn Brothers on Grand, Saint Paul. 7:30pm (Tip Jar) Joe Fingers is an ace fingerpicker, one of a number of champions that live in the area. Once in a while, though he may be ignored by Latte-drinkes perusing the internet, he just likes to play.

Tuesday, November 10

Howard Jones @ The Fine Line, Minneapolis. 7pm ($40, $75) Another act that blossomed in the 80s and, in fact, helped define the synth-pop sound of that decade. He had 15 top 40 singles between 1983 and 1992 and have never stopped performing, still releasing albums (including podcasts) and writing.

Well good grief, it’s Halloween! This time showing up on a Saturday night. There are many public events taking place, of which I’m only listing a few. Have fun, and remember that music lifts the spirit.

Canadian Girlfriend and The Fables Trio @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 8:30pm ($10 Suggested Donation) Canadian Girlfriend is led by cellist Greg Byers who recently graduated from McNally Smith with a Master of Music in Performance: Other members of the band are Elliot Wachs, Hayden Fihn, Frank Merchlewitz, and Lars Johnson. The Fables Trio is Kevin Gastonguay, keyboards; Andrew Foreman, bass; and Lars Larson, drums.

Thursday, October 29

Emily Green’s Tribute to the 30s @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($10 Suggested Donation) Vocalist Green and pianist Chris Lomheim are joined by Graydon Peterson on bass; and Reid Kennedy on drums to celebrate songs of the 30s.

Charmin & Shapira @ The Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, Saint Paul. 8pm (Tip Jar) An exquisite pairing of vocals and guitar, that shine on both jazz standards by the like of Thelonious Monk and the Great American Songbook.

Friday, October 30

Todd Harper Piano Fridays @ The Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, Saint Paul. 56:30 – 7:30pm (Tip Jar) You may not be in the mood for any Halloween hijinks. In that case head to the Black Dog where pianist Todd Harper will be joined by bassist Keith Yannes and drummer Eric Courson for an early evening of reflective, delicate, and decidedly un-devilish music on “Devil’s Night.”

Photo of Jeremy Walker by Andrea Canter

Jeremy Walker @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 6pm – 8pm (No Cover) The pianist/composer is back at the Vieux to provide late happy hour/dinner music that’s far, far better than what you’d expect at this time of day.

Magraw, Wells, & Bisong: a Benefit for Music Students in Guyana @ Walker West Music Academy, 760 Selby Avenue, Saint Paul. 8pm (Donation) Tuba player Tom Wells, who plays with Dick and Jane’s Brass Band, and with Maurice Jacox on occasion, will be playing with the fabulous guitarist Dean Magraw, and Ernest Bisong, a young jazz violinist from Guyana. Wells worked with the Guyana Lutheran Music Academy for a few weeks last year and will be retuning this year. Any money raised will go to sponsor 15 Guyana students who took lessons last year but are unable to do so this year without some sponsorship. In lieu of tickets, donations will be accepted at the door.

Hipster Farm Supply Company/Basement Society @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 8pm ($10 Suggested Donation) No matter what the group is called, it’s led by Pete James Johnson, recently returned from Los Angeles, where he spent a number of years playing with folks like Bob Mintzer, Russ Ferrante, Rufus Reid, and Ambrose Akinmusire and more. He’ll be joined by Javi Santiago on piano, and Dan Carpel on bass.

Park Evans, of Battle Cat and other groups. Photo by Andrea Canter

Battle Cat @ The Nicollet Cafe, Minneapolis. 9pm (Tip Jar) This edition of Friday Night jazz at the Nicollet features Park Evans, guitar; Greg Schutte, drums; and Cody McKinney, bass. Each of these musicians could lead their own band. The combination is sure to spark some musical fireworks.

Saturday, October 31

Saturday Night Jazz @ The Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, Saint Paul. 7pm, 8:30pm (Tip Jar) It’s a combination of young guns and seasoned veterans tonight. At 7pm it’s the Will Schmid Trio, featuring Schmid, piano; Alma Engebretson, bass; and Simon Petrick, drums. At 8:30 How Birds Work will perform. This group was a monthly feature back at the Artists’ Quarter, so it’s great to be able to hear them once again: Kenny Horst, drums; Dean Granros, guitar; Peter Schimke, piano; and Chris Bates, bass.

Monday, November 2

U of MN Jazz Ensemble II and Combos @ Ted Mann Concert Hall, Minneapolis. 7:30pm (No Cover) Head over to the west bank campus of the U to hear the future of jazz as college students in the Jazz Ensemble II and various combos play for you.

Real Bulls and Enormous Quartet @ The Icehouse, Minneapolis. 9:30pm ($8) Real Bulls is the dynamic drumming duo of JT Bates and Dave King, both of whom create a pantheon of sounds on their instruments. Second act up is The Enormous Quartet: Park Evans, guitar; Chris Bates, bass; Chris Thompson, sax; and Joey Van Philips, drums.

Tuesday, November 3

Mary Louise Knutson @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 6pm – 8pm (No Cover) Another early evening of exquisite music, this time from pianist Mary Louise Knutson whose album In the Bubble spent considerable time at the top of the jazz charts, and who regularly tours with the Doc Severinsen big band.

Travis Anderson Trio @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 8pm ($5) It’s a very jazz night at the Vieux, as this swinging combination of musicians take the stage after Mary Louise Knutson. Travis Anderson, piano; Steve Pikal, bass; and Nathan Norman, drums; bring lots of energy and chops to their performances.

Blues, Roots, Other…

Wednesday, October 28

Katey Belleville on KFAI and @ The 331 Club, Minneapolis. 5pm (90.3 & 106.7FM), 7pm (331 Club – Tip Jar) Americana, Bluegrass, and Folk, from a singer/songwriter/guitarist ho performs originals, traditional tunes, and contemporary tunes from artists like Gillian Welch. Tune in during the 5pm hour, and head over to the 331 to hear her live. She’ll be joined by friends Zach Gusa, guitar and vocals; Justin Bruhn, upright bass; and Mike Hedding on various stringed instruments.

Leon Bridges @ First Avenue, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($22) Well, it’s sold out, but if you can get in, you’ll hear contemporary R&B that evokes, but doesn’t copy the likes of Sam Cooke. Bridges is an excellent songwriter with a voice that’s sweet, yet sure.

Hannah Von Der Hoff & the Dangertones: Humpy’d Halloween @ The Icehouse, Minneapolis. 10pm ($8, $5 with Costume) Work the kinks out of your costume with this early Halloween special featuring Von Der Hoff, a singer who does a modern take on 60s R&B. She’s got a strong voice that’s well suited to soulful sounds, and a band that serves her well.

Thursday, October 29

Big George Jackson and Jeremy Johnson @ Washington Square, White Bear Lake. 3pm (No Cover) Make your way to the tony NE village for a dose of the blues from gravel voiced Jackson and his guitarist/drummer cohort Johnson. Here he is with a full band.

Badi Assad @ The Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($35) Assad is a Brazilian singer/songwriter as well as a brilliant guitarist, and percussionist. She blends pop, jazz, and world influences with traditional Brazilian music to create exciting performances, as she showed at the Dakota a couple of years ago. Her latest album, Hatched, features her take on songs by Lorde, Skillrex, and Mumford and Sons, among other contemporary artists.

Friday, October 30

Paul Metsa is Going to the Dogs @ Darby’s Pub and Grill, 315 5th Ave N, Minneapolis. $10 Suggested Donation) Singer/composer, guitarist, and author Paul Metsa is celebrating his 60th birthday with a benefit for Homeward Bound Dog Rescue. Paul knows many folks throughout the music industry, so don’t be surprised if some stop by and even perform a song or two.

Ana Popovic @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 8pm ($25) Born in Belgrade, Serbia, Popovic grew up in a home where her father’s record collection and nightly jam sessions inspired her to take up guitar at the age of fifteen. She eventually moved to the United States and began playing and touring, winning over fans with her electric funk, slide guitar, and jazzy blues. She’s been the only female performer on the Experience Hendrix tours and has been nominated for five Blues Music Awards.

Raw Oyster Cult @ Bunker’s, Minneapolis. 9:30pm ($25) Celebrate the Halloween weekend with the music of New Orleans’ Raw Oyster Cult featuring members of the Radiators, Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, and Papa Grows Funk: Dave Malone, vocals and guitar; Camile Baudoin, guitar; Frank Bua, drums, John “Papa” Gros, vocals, keys; and David Pomerleau, bass. Saturday’s show will feature the Krewe of DADs 30th Annual Masquerade Ball: “I Walked With Zombies.” Here’s an example of the Cult .

Saturday, October 31

Jeremy Messersmith & Friends present The Undead Masquerade @ The Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis. 7pm ($25) Billed as an Evening of Music and the Macabre, this show will feature Messersmith’s 2010 CD, “The Reluctant Graveyard” (Named by NPR as one of the Top Ten Albums of the year) in its entirety, as well as an assortment of ghoulish tunes. Guests include Chris Koza, Aby Wolf, Lydia Hoglund (Bomba De Luz), and Natalie Lovejoy. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes.

Lamont Cranston Halloween Party @ Crooners Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm – 11pm. Pat Hayes has been carrying on and leading this band since 1969, and as a result, knows how to fill a dance floor and get the party going, whether for New Year’s, Halloween or any other occasion. Lamont Cranston has been named Best Twin Cities Blues Band a number of times, served as the inspiration for Dan Ackroyd’s Blues Brothers,and served as the opening band for a leg of a Rolling Stones tour. Here’s one of their instrumental workouts.

Daddy Squeeze joins Corpse Reviver @ The 331 Club, Minneapolis. 3 – 5:30pm (Tip Jar) Dan Newton, master of the “Stomach Steinway” sits in with Corpse Reviver: Adam Kiesling, playing a new Banjo; Mikkel Beckmen, washboard and prcussion; and Jillian Rae, fiddle; for a spirited afternoon of music from the Anthology of American Folk Music! Here’s a lighthearted version of a classic.

For a more comprehensive listing of blues (and some roots) events, see the MN Blues Society calendar. For a comprehensive listing of Cajun and Zydeco events, see the Krewe de Walleye calendar.

Can it really be the middle of October already? Whatever the time of year may be, we’ve got more music than a person can attend in a week, and are lucky for it. New combinations of Twin Cities musicians, music from around the world, and visiting musicians of note. Get out and enjoy it. Music lifts the spirit.

Jazz

Wednesday, October 14

Debbie Duncan: Billie Holiday Tribute @ Crooner’s Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm (No Cover) This year marks the centennial of Billie Holiday’s birth, and so we’ve seen a couple of modern tribute albums, and, in other cities, tribute concerts, so this one might be consered as overdue for the Twin Cities. Duncan is an excellent vocalist and interpreter, and I expect she’ll be in top form for this performance. It’s also the 97th birthday of Crooners’ owner Mary T’s mom, just to add even more levity to the celebration.

There has to be a recording studio around here somewhere

Red Planet invites Bill Carrothers @ Creation Audio, 2543 Nicollet Ave S, Minneapolis. 7:30pm ($25) First, Red Planet, which is Dean Magraw, Chris Bates, and Jay Epstein, will make a recording with pianist Bill Carrothers Then the four of them will hold a concert. Tickets for this amazing collaboration, if still available, and more information, can be had here.

Thursday, October 15

Amina Figurova @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($25) This internationally known pianist/composer and bandleader was born in Azerbaijan, spent many years in Rotterdam, and now lives in NYC with her husband and musical partner flautist Bart Platteau. They’ll be joined by Ernie Hamnes, trumpet; Mark Mommaas, tenor; Jeroen Vierdag, bass; and Chris Strik, drums; all of whom are on her latest release. She and her band have won critical acclaim at the Newport Jazz Festival, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and all over the world, including the Twin Cities Jazz Festival some years ago.

Twin Cities Latin Jazz Orchestra @ Vieux Carre, Saint Paul. 9pm ($10) This is one of the few times you can see this big band outside of Jazz Central open rehearsals. They are sure to fill the club with sound, and may even fill it with dancers (at least between the tables).

Friday, October 16

Donald Washington Trio @ the Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, Saint Paul. 8pm (Tip Jar) For those willing to stray beyond standards, reedman Washington always provides a refreshing blast of musicality, no matter how improvised his music might be. He’ll be joined by son Kevin Washington on drums and Jimmie Wallace on sax. Here’s Washington (center) with a different group.

Yolande Bruce Group @ Walker West Academy, Saint Paul. 8pm ($15) Bruce is appearing as part of the Walker’s Eight O’Clock Jump series. She is known for her work with Moore by Four, and has been active in a solo career, as well as in theater productions at Penumbra, Illusion, Guthrie and the Ordway Theaters.

JoAnn Funk @ The Saint Paul Hotel Lobby Bar, Saint Paul. 7pm (Tip Jar) Vocalist/pianist Ms Funk is back at the Saint Paul Hotel, entertaining guests and visitors with songs by artists ranging from Blossom Dearie and Nat King Cole to Dan Penn and Leonard Cohen. As always, she’s accompanied by the versatile Jeff Brueske on bass, and occasional guests.

Saturday Night Jazz @ The Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, Saint Paul. (Tip Jar) Another stellar line-up of music for this popular Saturday Night series. At 7pm it’s the Chris Olson Group with Olson, guitar and Greg Byers on Cello mixing and matching tonalities. Then at 8:30pm, Le Percheron plays mostly 21st Century jazz, with Levi Schwartzberg, vibes; Noah Ophoven-Baldwin, trumpet; Cory Healy, drums; and leader Adam Linz on bass. Bound to be a bit crowded, so get there early.

Sunday, October 18

Solomon Parham. Photo by Andrea Cantrer

Solomon’s Sessions @ Bedlam Lowertown, Saint Paul. 7pm ($5) Trumpeter Solomon Parham collects some colleagues and students from MacNally Smith and presents an opportunity for selected musicians to try out their chops in different configurations. It’s a controlled version of a jam session, with participants selected beforehand. Whoever plays, you are sure to hear modern rhythms as well as some long accepted jazz standards.

Monday, October 19

Twin Cities Seven @ Crooner’s Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm (No Cover) There is no doubt that this is a swinging aggregation that will set your toes to tappin’, your sacroiliac to gyrating, and your mouth to humming. There’ll be some dancing as well. It’s led by saxophonist/clarinetist Doug Haining, and features Dave Graf, Trombone; Steve Wright, trumpet; Kent Saunders, guitar; Rick Carlson, piano; Steve Pikal, bass; and Dick Bortolussi, drums. Maryann Sullivan provides the charming vocals.

Fall of the House of Usher CD Release @ The Icehouse, Minneapolis. 9:30pm ($8) This is a large aggregation, releasing Icehouse & Elsewhere, an album of both live and studio recordings. Members include: Greg Schutte, Chris Bates, Cole Pulice, Adrian Larkin, Chris Thompson, Chris Cunningham, Ivan Cunningham, Charlie Lincoln, Nathan Hanson, Adam Conrad, Elliott Wachs, Jon Davis, Adam Svec, and many other extremely talented musical voices that roam the sonic free-range of the Twin Cities.

Tuesday, October 20

Laura Caviani Trio @ Crooner’s Lounge and Supper Club, Fridley. 7pm (No Cover) Caviani is a pianist of wit and taste who also sings from time to time. Tuesday night jazz at Crooners is a fine opportunity to experience her talent.

Blues, Roots, Other…

Wednesday, October 14

Bernie King and the Guilty Pleasures on KFAI and @ The 331 Club, Minneapolis. 5pm (90.3 and 106.7FM), 7pm (331 club – Tip Jar) Once again, host Harold Trembley has booked a blues/roots group for your listening pleasure. King’s original songs evoke Johnny Cash and Tom Waits, using washboard, bass, guitars, and tom toms. Once you hear him singing “Drinking with the Lord,” you may want to get baptized.

Thursday, October 15

Alma Andina @ The World Live! at the Hill, JJ Hill Library, downtown Saint Paul. 7pm ($10 Advance/$15 Door) The JJ Hill Library is producing a new series of world musics in collaboration with Fresh Air Radio. Tonight kicks off the series with Alma Andina performing Andean and Latin American music, with a decidedly modern bent, though there is not doubt that Andean flutes will be involved. There’s likely to be a small dance floor, not to forget some adult beverages and a chance to hear how the library can help entrepreneurs.

Deano and the Dinosaurs @ Dusty’s, NE Minneapolis. 8pm (Tip Jar) Described as uncomfortably disturbing yet harmless, it’s Dress Like Deano Day, celebrating the birthday of Dean Mikkelson, a superb guitarist. He’ll be joined by Dean Harrington, guitar; Tom Lewis, upright bass; and Dehl Gallagher, drums. Don’t be surprised to see special guests. As to dressing like Deano, get some Converse Chuck Taylors and a cabin shirt, and you’ll be set. Prizes for best costume, dirty joke, and Deano-ism.

Scottie Miller Band CD Release @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 8pm ($10) Keyboard player Miller is releasing his 9th CD, Reciprocation. At times, his piano playing evokes the New Orleans sound of Professor Longhair, the Chicago blues of Otis Spann, and the Mississippi piano of Pinetop Perkins, though he own style, influenced by rock n’ roll, always shines through. Miller is an inductee into the Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame, has received a Blues Music Award, and is the touring keyboard player for Ruthie Foster.

Reina Del Cid @ The Icehouse, Minneapolis. 10:30pm ($8) Del Cid is a singer/songwriter and guitarist with a great way with words, and inspired covers. She has a great band, especially guitarist Toni Lindgren, whose work turns the literary mindfulness of Del Cid’s songs into engaging pop rock. Opening are The Meadows: Pete Linham, Wendy Lewis, and Jeff Waryan.

Saturday, October 17

Edgar Winter @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($45 – $75) Back in the 70s, the heavy sound of The Edgar Winter Group’s synth-driven Frankenstein was all over the radio. Previous to that, his lesser known, but still successful group White Trash made some noise as as a hard charging R&B horn band. My guess is that some members of the audience may want to use the ear plugs available at the club’s entrance while rockin’ out.

Tim Sparks and Phil Heywood @ The Riverview Cafe, Minneapolis. 8pm ($13) We have a number of fine finger-pickers in the Twin Cities, and tonight two of them (each of whom won the National Fingerpicking Championship – in different years). Heywood has a pleasant baritone voice as well, which he puts to good use every once in a while.

Flamin’ Oh’s Record Release Party @ Lee’s Liquor Lounge, Minneapolis. 9pm. ($10) Another record release party, this time from that Twin Cities 80s favorite the Flamin’ Oh’s. The Groove open at 9pm, followed by the Oh’s at 10:15, and Little Man at midnight. Here’s one of the Ohs better known songs.

Sunday, October 18

Pedrito Martinez Group @ The Ordway, Saint Paul. 7:30pm ($23) Conguero/percussionist Martinez appeared at the Dakota last March, and at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival the summer before last. He’s a Cuban-born virtuoso, who has supplied rhythms for folks like Eddie Palmieri, Bebo Valdes, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, and Joe Lovano, among others. There will be a dance floor, and a discussion of Cuban-American cultural exchanges at 6:30.

Tuesday, October 20

Paul Mayasich and guests Maurice Jacox and Bobby E. @ The Station, White Bear Lake. 8pm (No Cover) Their collaboration at the Station a few months ago was delightful, so Paul asked Maurice and Bobby back for another night of soulful vocals and stunning guitar work.

For a more comprehensive listing of blues (and some roots) events, see the MN Blues Society calendar. For a comprehensive listing of Cajun and Zydeco events, see the Krewe de Walleye calendar.